Context: 

Recently, the Elephant Corridor Report 2023 was released by the Ministry of Environment.

Key Points from the Elephant Corridors of India 2023 Report:

• New Corridors: Centre has identified over 60 new corridors used by elephants for movement between two habitats, taking the total number of identified passages across the country to 150.
  • Previously there were 88 Elephant Corridors.
• West Bengal has the highest number (26) of identified elephant corridors in India, accounting for over 17 per cent of all the passages.
• Corridor Mapping: The report mapped 150 elephant corridors in 15 states, categorizing them into four geographic regions: northern, northeast, east-central, and southern.
  • About 84 per cent (126) of the identified elephant corridors occur within the state boundaries. 
  • About 13 per cent (19) are interstate elephant corridors that extend into two or more states. There were six transnational corridors between India and Nepal.
• Increase in Elephant Movement: Approximately 40% of mapped corridors have seen an increase in elephant movement, with some regions showing stability.
• Expansion of Elephant Ranges: Elephants have expanded their ranges in regions like Vidarbha, southern Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and northern Andhra Pradesh.
• Corridor Impairment: Despite habitat rejuvenation efforts, 10% of elephant corridors have become impaired over the years, due to factors like increased human activity.
  • Loss of Functionality: 15 corridors have lost functionality due to various factors, including anthropogenic pressure.
  • Decline in Usage: 29 corridors (19% of the total) have recorded a decline in elephant usage, primarily due to encroachment, mining, and infrastructure development.

Suggestions: 

• Restoration Efforts for impaired corridors, including habitat enrichment, demarcation, and measures to curb human interventions.
• Periodic Monitoring: To ensure their protection, understand elephant movement patterns, and proactively address human-elephant conflicts.

News Source: New Indian Express